Project for Pride in Living

Adults and Children are Partners in Learning

Active learning – whether planned by adults or initiated by children – is the central element of the High/Scope Preschool Curriculum. Children learn through direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas. Trained adults who understand child development and how to scaffold the important areas of learning in the preschool years offer guidance and support.

Teaching Practices in the High/Scope Preschool Curriculum

Adult-Child Interaction
In the High/Scope approach teachers and children are active partners in the learning process. This balanced approach to adult-child interaction – also called “intentional teaching” – is critical to the effectiveness of the program. It includes techniques for encouraging learning in specific content areas as well as strategies to help children resolve conflict.

Classroom arrangement, materials and equipment
The space and materials in a High/Scope setting are carefully arranged to promote active learning. The center is divided into interest areas organized around specific kinds of play.

Daily Routine
High/Scope teachers give preschoolers a sense of control over the day by planning a consistent daily routine that enables the children to anticipate what happens next. Central elements of the preschool daily routine include the plan-do-review sequence, small and large group times, greeting time and outside time.

Curriculum Content

Key Developmental Indicators
The curriculum is built around child initiated learning activities in five main curriculum content areas: approaches to learning; language, literacy and communication; social and emotional development; physical development, health, and well being; art and sciences. Within these areas are 58 key developmental indicators – observable early childhood milestones that guide teachers as they plan learning experiences and interact with children